"I found someone I want to work with, and that's the most important thing," he revealed.

"I am behind him 100 per cent, but I'm not tipping him to win because last year I thought G4 should have won. But, whatever happens in the competition, I know that I have found something really special in Shayne. I've not told him yet, but I am going to manage him after the show."

The M.E.N. caught up with Louis and Shayne as they arrived in town for the big Christmas lights switch on at the Trafford Centre.

It was Shayne's first interview and public appearance since becoming one of the finalists on the ITV1 show. Thousands packed into the stage at the Orient Food Court to hear him sing two tracks, Right Here Waiting and If You're Not The One.

"I'm over the moon with what Louis has just said. Everything is surreal at the moment," Shayne beams. "I'm just an ordinary lad, I've already achieved what I wanted. To see all the support I am getting in my own city is bringing a smile to my face."

Turn on

Louis and Shayne were part of a three and a half hour show, hosted by Key 103 breakfast presenters Mike Toolan and Chelsea Norris, to celebrate the £1m festive light turn on.

Former X Factor finalist Tabby started with three tracks, including his new single, No.1. And the Irish rocker, who has just put the finishing touches to his debut album, told me that he is already following in the shoes of other stars.

"We recently sold out four nights at Liverpool's Cavern Club," he says. "I always sing barefoot, but when I got off the stage one of my boots had been taken. I asked if they had any boots I could wear so I got these," he adds, pointing to his black leather boots.

"Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones had left these behind when he played a gig there and they fit perfectly."

Also singing his new release No Worries, was former Blue singer Simon Webbe. The Moss Side-born star said: "I don't get home very often, so it was great to be asked to turn on the lights and be part of it. My new sound is very laid back, urban folk and I'm hoping to schedule in some Manchester gigs soon."